PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Teacher’s Assistant is responsible for the care of a group of children as part of a teaching team and functions as a co-leader.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Teacher’s Assistant reports to the classroom Teacher and the Program Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A SAFE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT.

• Promotes healthy eating practices.
• Maintains a safe environment.
• Posts necessary information to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children.
• Maintains an orderly learning environment.
• Change diapers, feeding, toileting, potty training, lifting.
• Utilizing the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) - Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) complete incident reports as needed.

 TO ADVANCE PHYSICAL AND INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCE

• Provides a balance between quiet and active learning activities.
• Uses equipment and materials for indoor and outdoor play that promotes children’s physical development.
• Involves children in planning and implementing learning activities.
• Implements experiences that promote language and literacy development.

TO SUPPORT SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROVIDE POSITIVE GUIDANCE 

• Implements hands-on activities that develop positive self-esteem.
• Implements hands-on activities that develop social skills.
• Implements culturally diverse experiences.
• Uses and promotes positive guidance techniques.
• Communicates with children at their developmental level.
• Encourages children to be independent.
• Introduce virtual activities, ideas and/or resources.

 TO ESTABLISH POSITIVE AND PRODUCTIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH FAMILIES 

• Encourage and provides a variety of ways for parent-volunteers to participate in the program.
• Must be available to rotate shifts and classroom assignment at Director’s discretion, and/or as needs of the business require.

 TO ENSURE WELL-RUN, PURPOSEFUL PROGRAM RESPONSIVE TO PARTICIPANT’S NEEDS 

• Assesses program supplies and material needed prior to implementing activities.
• Assesses children’s needs and developmental progress on an ongoing basis.
• In consultation with the Teacher and Director, uses the results of assessment to plan activities.

 TO MAINTAIN A COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONALISM

• Promotes the center’s philosophy and educational objectives.
• Supports the center’s code of ethical conduct.
• Engages in ongoing staff development to improve personal and professional skills.
• Supports the professional growth and development of colleagues by sharing materials and information and providing helpful feedback and encouragement.
• Attends staff meetings, workshop and in service training provided by the center.

 QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: 

• High School Diploma or GED; nine college credits in early childhood education or child development; and two years’ experience caring for children; or
• High School Diploma or GED; and 5 years of supervised experience in a permitted childcare service; or
• High School Diploma or GED; and a study plan that is acceptable to the department leading to completion of 9 credits in early childhood education or childhood development within two years.
• Teacher’s Assistant Certification
• Must obtain Department of Health Food Handler’s Certification within forty (45) days of being employed.